Independent Research Programs in Biological Sciences
(BILD 99, BISP 196 or 199)

Requirements

BILD 99 (Independent Research) For Lower-Division Students

  • You must have an overall UCSD GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • You must have successfully completed at least 30 units at UCSD.
  • Can be done with any professor with a UCSD teaching title (work must be related to your major and is subject to department chair approval). Faculty Contact Information  You may also contact faculty that are not listed-this is a starting point.
  • Credit may not be received for a course numbered 99 subsequent to receiving credit for a course numbered 199.

BISP 196 (Senior Honors Thesis)

  • You must have an overall and major UCSD GPA of 3.7 or better, and must have senior standing (final three quarters at UCSD).You must have successfully completed 90 units at UCSD.
  • Research commitment consists of three consecutive quarters during the senior year. A new application must be submitted every quarter.
  • All work must be done with a Division of Biological Sciences Faculty. Faculty from the School of Medicine, SIO or other UCSD departments are not eligible to sponsor a 196 student.

BISP 199 (Individual Research) For Upper-Division Students

  • You must have an overall UCSD GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • You must have successfully completed 90 units at UCSD.
  • Can be done with any professor with a UCSD teaching title (work must be related to your major and is subject to department chair approval).  Faculty Contact Information  You may also contact faculty that are not listed-this is a starting point.

Benefits

  • Gain hands-on lab experience
  • Study with outstanding faculty
  • Meet new people who share your interests
  • Explore a new field of study or enhance your current one
  • Get a head start in your career
  • Earn elective credit towards your major (BISP 196 or 199 may be used one time only, as an upper division elective)

How to Register

  1. Select a faculty member with whom you plan to do research. See the links above listed under the specific program.
  2. Contact the faculty member, and provide them with proof that you have met the GPA and unit requirements for a BILD 99, BISP 196 or BISP 199. It is recommended you provide the faculty member with a resume and a brief synopsis of any research experience.
  3. Once your placement is confirmed, complete:
  4. Fill out the application/research plan completely. This will help ensure a smooth application process. Make sure you and your instructor have signed and reviewed the forms completely. You must submit the "Research Plan" in addition to application. If you have any questions regarding this process, please call (858) 534-0557.
  5. Submit the completed application/research plan to Biology Student Affairs (Pacific Hall 1128). Applications are due 8th week of the quarter prior to which you will be conducting your research commitment. The research plan must be signed by the professor.

    Deadline Dates To Turn in Application/Research Plan

    • To begin research in Summer or Fall 2008: Friday, May 23rd EXTENDED DEADLINE-FRIDAY, SEPT. 5TH
    • To begin research in Winter 2009: Friday, November 21st
    • To begin research in Spring 2009: Friday, February 27th
  6. Students are responsible for returning to Student Affairs to pick up their completed application. The approval decision will be made by the Department Chair, within approximately 7-10 working days from the receipt of the form. If your request is approved you must then deliver the form to the Registrar's office to secure your enrollment.
  7. Enjoy your research!

Note:  Student may have to go through safety training.

Frequently Asked Questions

How am I evaluated for my work?

Means of evaluation are solely governed by the faculty member which you have agreed to work with. You will be required to list this on your application.

Can I do more than one 99/199 per quarter?

It can be petitioned, and will depend on college approval.

Can I use BISP 196 credit towards my major?

Yes. Only one quarter of BISP 196 credit may be used toward satisfying your major elective requirements. University credit is granted for the remaining two quarters.

Can I use my BILD 99 credit towards my major?

No credit toward the major is earned.

Can I use my BISP 199 credit towards my major?

Yes. Only one quarter of BISP 199 four-unit elective credit may be used toward satisfying your major elective requirement. If a BISP 199 is taken more than one quarter, university credit is granted, but NO credit toward the major is earned.

Can I use both 199 and 196 credit towards my major?

Only one quarter of 196 or 199 can be used to satisfy major requirements.

Can I use my 196 or 199 as a lab?

Please contact Biology Student Affairs to speak with an advisor.

If you feel that your questions have still not been answered regarding the research program, please feel free to the Biology Student Affairs Office (Pacific Hall 1128) or call (858) 534-0557.